Local Youth Compete in Bi-County 4-H Public Speaking and Presentation Contest

DUBOIS – On May 5 at 6:30 p.m., Clearfield County hosted the 18th Annual Bi-County 4-H Public Speaking & Presentation Contest in the Hiller Auditorium of Penn State University – DuBois Campus. The event was open to all Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, and Jefferson County 4-H members, ages 8 through 18, as of January 1st. 7 4-H members from Clearfield & Jefferson Counties participated in one of four categories, including Senior Division Public Speaking, Junior Division Public Speaking, Senior Division Presentations, & Junior Division Presentations.

This year, topics included how baking with yeast, being prepared, piano music, herpetology, the layers of mud, kittens, and rabbits. Individuals entering into the Public Speaking contest where asked to give a 4 to 7 minute original talk on any topic. Participants in this category were only allowed to use note cards; no other illustrative material was allowed to be used. Individuals entering into the Presentation contest where asked to conduct a presentation about a 4-H project, hobby, or activity they have been involved with. Junior Division participants were given up to 8 minutes for their presentation and Senior Division participants were given between 10 and 12 minutes for their presentation.

In the Public Speaking Senior Division competition, Chelsea Folmar, a member of both the Clearfield County 4-H Riflery Club and Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club, received first place and a monetary award of $20.00. Chelsea is the daughter of Scott & Crystal Folmar of Luthersburg.

In the Senior Division Presentation competition, Kathleen Thomas of the Thundering Hoofbeats 4-H Club received first place and a monetary award of $20.00. Kathleen is the daughter of Pamela Thomas of Morrisdale.

In the Junior Division Presentation Contest, Amberley Spicher of the Gateway 4-H Club received first place honors. Amberley is the daughter of Marty & Sherri Spicher of Punxsutawney. Second place honors went to Sydney Turner of the Thundering Hoofbeats 4-H Club. Sydney is the daughter of Mark & Sally Turner of Philipsburg. May Betts, a member of the Free Spirit 4-H Club was recognized for thirst place. Mary is the daughter of Dan & Sue Betts of Hawk Run. Cassandra Folmar, dual member of both the Clearfield County 4-H Riflery Club and Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club, received fourth place. Cassandra is the daughter of Scott & Crystal Folmar of Luthersburg. Fifth place went to Kimberly Ward of the Free Spirit 4-H Club. Kimberly is the daughter of Shawn & Laurie Ward of Morrisdale. Each junior division participant received a 4-H bag filled with 4-H items.

All participants received a certificate of achievement and a ribbon.

Two local individuals served as judges for this year’s contest. Judges for event included Joan Robinson-McMillen. Ms. McMillen currently serves as a Clearfield County Commissioner, where she is the second woman to serve as a commissioner for the county and is the first woman to serve in the role as chairperson. Ms. McMillen resides in Clearfield with her husband Kevin and son Harrison. Also serving as a judge was Rachel Carr-Davidson. Rachel was an 11 year member of the Graham Township 4-H Club of Morrisdale. In 2004, Rachel was crowned as the Clearfield County Fair Queen and a few months later was recognized as a Top 5 Finalist for Pennsylvania State Fair Queen. Ms. Davidson is still very involved with the Clearfield County Fair Queen Program and the “Queens for Kids” charity. Ms. Davidson is currently employed through Magna Card in DuBois and she resides in DuBois with her husband Michael.

The competition was followed by refreshments and an awards ceremony. “A very special thank you goes out to all of the 4-H leaders, parents, and guests that helped support the youth, as well as Penn State – DuBois Campus for allowing us the use of both the Hiller Auditorium and Quiet Lounge.” Jana Lynne Davidson, Children & Youth Development Educator.

4-H is a non-formal youth development educational program of Penn State Cooperative Extension for all youth between the ages of 8 and 19, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, or veteran status. For additional information on the 4-H program or to locate a 4-H club in your area, contact Jana Lynne Davidson at the Clearfield County Cooperative Extension Office at 814-765-7878 Ext. 3.